MAJORS (9): The Open (1959, '68, '74); US Open (1965); Masters Tournament (1961, '74, '78); US PGA (1962, '72); major wins included a career slam of all four major championships. SENIOR MAJORS (6): US Snr Open (1987, '88); US Snr PGA (1986, '88, '90); Snr Players (1987). Player also won the Snr British Open in 1988, '90 and '97, prior to it being designated a senior major in 2003.

Presidents Cup captain (2003, '05, 07). Total professional wins (165), of which Sunshine Tr (73), US PGA Tr (24), European circuit/Tr (20), Australasian Tr (18), Champions Tr (19). US PGA Tr leading money winner (1961). World Golf Hall of Fame (inducted in 1974). Awarded South Africa's Order of Ikhamanga (2003). Awarded one of the USA's top two civilian honours, the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2020, by Pres Trump).

Golf course design

Gary Player's golf course design business (incorporating Gary Player Design, Player Design and Black Knight Design) has created over 300 golf courses across the globe. His best known work includes, but is not limited to:

Gary Player, known as "The Black Knight", is one of the living legends of the modern game. He became only the third player in history to win the Grand Slam of major championships, following Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen. Since then, only Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have emulated this achievement. In accumulating his nine major championship victories, 24 US PGA titles and countless other tournament wins, Player estimates that he has logged more than 15 million miles in air travel. In addition to his many golfing and business interests he also operates The Player Foundation, which promotes education for underprivileged children around the world.

Played as the Northville Long Island Classic (Aug 21-23). Second-placed Walter Hall (USA) and J.C. Snead (USA) finished 1 shot behind Player (RSA), who recorded the last of his 19 Senior PGA Tour wins. [Meadow Brook Club, Jericho, Long Island, NY].

1997

Snr Europe

Senior Open Championship

Royal Portrush

278 (-10)

£58,330

Played as the Senior British Open (11th) (July 24-27). Player (RSA) beat John Bland (RSA) with a birdie at the second playoff hole. [Dunluce Links, Royal Portrush GC, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland].

1997

Snr Europe

Wentworth Snr Masters

Wentworth Club

207 (-9)

£20,830

Played as the inaugural Shell Wentworth Senior Masters (Aug 1-3). Second-placed David Creamer (Eng) and Jose Maria Canizares (Esp) finished 1 shot behind Player (RSA), who recorded the last of his three European Snr Tour wins. [Edinburgh course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

Played as the Royal Caribbean Classic. Second-placed Bob Charles (NZ), Chi Chi Rodriguez (PR/USA) and Lee Trevino (USA) finished 2 shots behind Player (RSA). [Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne, nr Miami, FL; at the time known as the Links at Key Biscayne].

1990

Snr Europe

Senior Open Championship

Turnberry

280 (E)

Played as the Senior British Open (4th). Won by Player (RSA) for the second time in three years. [Ailsa course, Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire].

1990

Snr Majors

US Snr PGA Ch'ship

PGA National

281 (-7)

$75,000

Played as the PGA Seniors' Championship (April 12-15). Second-placed Chi Chi Rodriguez (PR/USA) finished 2 shots behind Player (RSA). For the second time in three years Rodriguez finished runner-up to Player in this event. [Champion course, PGA National Resort, Palm Beach Gdns, FL].

Played as the Denver Post Champions of Golf. Player (RSA) beat Roberto De Vicenzo (Arg) with a par at the fourth playoff hole. [Plum Creek GC, Castle Rock, Colorado; at the time known as TPC Plum Creek].

Played as the inaugural PGA Tour Skins Game (four-man PGA Tour unofficial money event). Player (RSA) won with a total of 7 skins worth $170,000. Second was Arnold Palmer (USA) 8 skins worth $140,000. Third was Jack Nicklaus (USA) 2 skins worth $40,000. Fourth was Tom Watson (USA) 1 skin worth $10,000. The event is remembered not just for the golf, but for Tom Watson accusing Gary Player of removing a rooted leaf from behind his ball (which the Rules of Golf prohibit). Player insisted the leaf was loose and could be removed as a loose impediment. [Desert Highlands GC, Scottsdale, Arizona].

1982

Men Africa

South African PGA

Wanderers GC

272 (-16)

Played as the Lexington PGA Championship. Won by Player (RSA). [The Wanderers GC, Ilovo, Johannesburg, RSA].

1981

Men Africa

South African Open

Royal Johannesburg

272 (-12)

R14,035

Played as the Datsun South African Open. Player (RSA) beat John Bland (RSA) at the third hole of a sudden-death playoff. This followed an 18-hole playoff in which Player and Bland scored 70 and Warren Humpreys (Eng) scored 72. This was the last of 13 South African Open wins for Player. [Royal Johannesburg & Kensington GC, Jo'burg, RSA].

1980

Men America

Chile Open

Played as the Chile Open (Abierto de Chile). Won by Player (RSA).

1979

Men America

Grand Slam of Golf

Oak Hill CC, NY

73 (+3)

Played as the inaugural PGA Grand Slam of Golf (Aug 7; unofficial event for the previous year's winners of the three US-based Majors and the Tournament Plyrs). Tied after 18 holes, Gary Player (The Masters) and Andy North (US Open) shared the $12,000 first prize. Tied in third place on 77 were Jack Nicklaus (Tournament Plyrs) and John Mahaffey (US PGA). [East Course, Oak Hill CC, Pittsford, Rochester, NY].

1979

Men Awards

Order of Merit - Sunshine Tr

1979/80 South Africa Tour Order of Merit. Won for the second time in his career by Player (RSA).

1979

Men Africa

South African Masters

Milnerton GC

270 (-18)

Played as the Kronenbrau South African Masters. Won by Player (RSA) by 6 shots. The 'Black Knight' also won the SA Open and SA PGA in 1979 to take the South African 'Triple Crown' (the first player ever to do so). [Milnerton GC, nr Cape Town, Western Cape, RSA].

1979

Men Africa

South African Open

Houghton

279 (-9)

R9,780

Played as the BA/Yellow Pages South African Open. Second-placed Ian Mosey (Eng) finished 1 shot behind Player (RSA), who also won the SA PGA and SA Masters in 1979 to take the South African 'Triple Crown' (the first player ever to do so). This was the twelfth of 13 South African Open wins for Player. [Houghton GC, Johannesburg, RSA].

1979

Men Africa

South African PGA

Wanderers GC

203

Played as the Lexington PGA Championship. Won by Player (RSA), who also won the SA Open and SA Masters in 1979 to take the South African 'Triple Crown' (the first player ever to do so). Event reduced to 54 holes after final round was rained-out. [The Wanderers GC, Ilovo, Johannesburg, RSA].

1978

Men America

Houston Open

Woodlands CC, TX

270 (-18)

$40,000

Played as the Houston Open. Second-placed Andy Bean (USA) finished 1 shot behind Player (RSA), who recorded his third straight PGA Tour win in a row, and what proved to be the last of his 24 PGA Tour wins. [The Woodlands CC, nr Houston, TX. Course used was based on the current back-nine of the Tournament course and part of the neighbouring Panther Trail course].

Played as the Yellow Pages South African Open. Second-placed Dale Hayes (RSA) and Bobby Cole (RSA) finished 3 shots behind Player (RSA). This was the eleventh of 13 South African Open wins for Player. [East course, Royal Johannesburg & Kensington GC, Jo'burg, RSA].

1977

Men Asia

World Cup of Golf (Indiv)

Wack Wack G&CC

289 (+1)

Second-placed Hubert Green (USA) and Rudy Lavares (Phil) finished 3 shots behind Player (RSA), who won the International Trophy for best individual score in the World Cup of Golf. Team winners of the Cup: Seve Ballesteros & Antonio Garrido (Esp). [Wack Wack G&CC, Manila, Philippines].

Played as the South African Open. Dave Suddards (RSA) and Bobby Verwey (RSA) finished in second place behind defending champion Player (RSA). This was the tenth of 13 South African Open wins for Player. [Durban CC, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa].

1975

Men Africa

South African Open

Mowbray

278

x

Played as the South African Open. Allan Henning (RSA) finished in second place behind Player (RSA). This was the ninth of 13 South African Open wins for Player. [Mowbray GC, Cape Town, Western Cape, RSA].

1975

Men Europe

Trophee Lancome

Saint-Nom-La-Breteche

278

X

Played as the Trophee Lancome. Won by Gary Player (RSA). [Golf de Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche, nr Paris, France].

1974

Men Aus/NZ

Australian Open

Lake Karrinyup

277 (-11)

Played as the Australian Open (Oct 31-Nov 3). Second-placed Norman Wood (Scot) finished 3 shots behind Player (RSA), who posted the last of his seven Australian Open wins. [Lake Karrinyup CC, Perth, WA, Aus].

1974

Men America

Brazil Open

Gavea G&CC

267 (-5)

Played as the Brazil Open (Aberto do Brasil). Mark Hayes (USA) finished in second place behind Player (RSA), who shot a 9-under 59 during the event, setting a new world record low score for 18 holes in a professional tournament. [Gavea GC, São Conrado, Rio de Janeiro].

1974

Men Africa

South African Masters

Kensington GC

270 (-10)

Played as the Dunlop South African Masters (Jan 23-26). Player (RSA) beat Bobby Cole (RSA) at the second playoff hole to record his fourth straight SA Masters win. [Kensington GC, Johannesburg, S Africa. Course no longer exists; club merged with Royal Johannesburg GC in 1998].

The Masters Tournament (38th) (April 11-14). Second-placed Dave Stockton (USA) and Tom Weiskopf (USA) finished 2 shots behind Player (RSA), who recorded the second of his three Masters titles. Later that year Player also won the Open Championship at Royal Lytham. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].

Played as the Dunlop South African Masters (Nov 29-Dec 2; S Africa circuit 1972/73 season). Second-placed Harold Henning (RSA) finished 1 shot behind Player (RSA), who won this title for the third straight time. He last won the title earlier in the year in January, when it was part of the [Kensington GC, Johannesburg, S Africa. Course no longer exists; club merged with Royal Johannesburg GC in 1998].

1973

Men Europe

World Match Play

Wentworth Club

40th hole

£10,000

Played as the Piccadilly World Match Play Championship (Oct 11-13; field of eight players). Player (RSA) beat Graham Marsh (Aus) at the 40th hole in the final. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

1972

Men America

Brazil Open

Gavea G&CC

270

Played as the Brazil Open (Aberto do Brasil). Steve Melnyk (USA) finished in second place behind Player (RSA). [Gavea GC, São Conrado, Rio de Janeiro].

Played as the South African Open. Bobby Cole (RSA) finished in second place behind Player (RSA). This was the eighth of 13 South African Open wins for Player. [Royal Johannesburg & Kensington GC, Jo'burg, RSA].

1972

Men Majors

US PGA Ch'ship

Oakland Hills

281 (+1)

$45,000

The US PGA Championship (54th) (Aug 3-6). Second-placed Tommy Aaron (USA) and Jim Jamieson (USA) finished 2 shots behind Player (RSA), who recorded the second of his two US PGA wins. [South course, Oakland Hills CC, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan].

1972

Men America

World Series of Golf

Firestone CC

142

x

Played as the World Series of Golf; a 36-hole exhibition event. Won by Gary Player (RSA). [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].

1971

Men America

Jacksonville Open

Hidden Hills GC

281 (-7)

$25,000

Played as the Greater Jacksonville Open (March 18-21). Player (RSA) beat Hal Underwood (USA) with a par four at the second playoff hole. [Hidden Hills GC, nr Jacksonville, FL; at the time Hidden Hills CC].

Played as the Dunlop South African Masters (Jan 14-17). Second-placed Harold Henning (RSA) finished 2 shots behind Player (RSA). Harold's brother Graham Henning was a shot further back in third. [Kensington GC, Johannesburg, S Africa. Course no longer exists; club merged with Royal Johannesburg GC in 1998].

1971

Men Europe

World Match Play

Wentworth Club

5 & 4

£8,500

Played as the Piccadilly World Match Play Championship (Oct 7-9; field of eight players). Player (RSA) beat Jack Nicklaus (USA) 5 and 4 in the 36-hole final. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

1970

Men Aus/NZ

Australian Open

Kingston Heath

280 (-8)

A$3,360

Played as the Australian Open (Oct 22-25). Second-placed Bruce Devlin (Aus) finished 3 shots behind defending champion Player (RSA), who posted the sixth of his seven Australian Open wins. [Kingston Heath GC, Melbourne, Australia].

Played as the Australian Open (Oct 23-26). Second-placed Guy Wolstenholme (Eng) finished 1 shot behind Player (RSA). On a wet and windy final day, Player's 5-over-par 77 just got him over the line. He became only the second five-time winner of this coveted title. [Royal Sydney GC, Rose Bay, Sydney, Aus].

1969

Men Africa

South African Open

Durban CC

273

x

Played as the South African Open. Second-placed Trevor Wilkes (RSA) finished 6 shots behind defending champion Player (RSA). This was the seventh of 13 South African Open wins for Player, and his fifth straight win in this event. [Durban CC, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa].

1969

Men Africa

South African PGA

Germiston CC

272

Played as the South African PGA Championship. Won by Player (RSA). [Germiston CC, Germiston, nr J'burg, RSA].

Played as the South African Open. Second-placed Cobie le Grange (RSA) finished 7 shots behind defending champion Player (RSA). This was the sixth of 13 South African Open wins for Player, and his fourth straight win in this event. [Houghton GC, Johannesburg, RSA].

1968

Men Majors

The Open

Carnoustie

289 (+1)

£3,000

The Open Championship (97th) (July 10-13). Second-placed Jack Nicklaus (USA) and Bob Charles (NZ) finished 2 shots behind Player (RSA). Player's three-wood approach to the par-5 14th (the Spectacles) set-up an eagle three; to this day it is still referred to as "the shot" in Carnoustie legend. [Championship Course, Carnoustie Golf Links, Angus].

1968

Men Europe

World Match Play

Wentworth Club

1 up

£5,000

Played as the Piccadilly World Match Play Championship (Oct 10-12; field of eight players). Gary Player (RSA) beat Bob Charles (NZ) by 1 hole in the 36-hole final. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

1968

Men America

World Series of Golf

Firestone CC

143

x

Played as the World Series of Golf; a 36-hole exhibition event. Won by Gary Player (RSA). [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].

Played as the South African Open. Second-placed Allan Henning (RSA) finished 3 shots behind defending champion Player (RSA). This was the fifth of 13 South African Open wins for Player, and his third straight win in this event. [East London GC, Eastern Cape, RSA].

1966

Men Africa

South African Open

Houghton

278

x

Played as the South African Open. Second-placed Harold Henning (RSA) and Cobie le Grange (RSA) finished 1 shot behind defending champion Player (RSA). This was the fourth of 13 South African Open wins for Player. [Houghton GC, Johannesburg, RSA].

1966

Men Europe

World Match Play

Wentworth Club

6 & 4

£5,000

Played as the Piccadilly World Match Play Tournament (Oct 6-8; field of eight players). Defending champion Player (RSA) beat Jack Nicklaus (USA) 6 and 4 in the 36-hole final. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

1965

Men Aus/NZ

Australian Open

Kooyonga

264 (-28)

A$1,120

Played as the Australian Open (50th) (Oct 28-30). Second-placed Frank Phillips (Aus) and Jack Nicklaus (USA) finished 6 shots behind Player (RSA), who claimed the fourth of his seven Australian Open wins. Player shot 11-under par rounds of 62 in the first and third rounds of the championship. [Kooyonga GC, Lockleys, Adelaide, SA].

1965

Men Africa

South African Open

Royal Cape

273

R900

Played as the South African Open. Second-placed John Hayes (RSA) finished 3 shots behind Player (RSA). This was the third of 13 South African Open wins for Player. [Royal Cape GC, Cape Town, Western Cape, RSA].

1965

Men Majors

US Open

Bellerive CC

282 (+2)

$26,000

The US Open (65th) (Jun 17-21). Player (RSA) beat Kel Nagle (Aus) in an 18-hole playoff: Player 71 (+1), Nagle 74 (+4). Winning the US Open allowed Player to complete a career grand slam of all four Majors. [Bellerive CC, St Louis, Missouri].

1965

Men Europe

World Cup of Golf (Indiv)

Club de Campo, Madrid

281 (-7)

$1,000

Jack Nicklaus (USA) finished 3 shots behind Gary Player (RSA), who won the International Trophy for best individual score in the Canada Cup. Team winners of the Cup: Gary Player & Harold Henning (RSA). [Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, Madrid, Spain].

1965

Men Europe

World Match Play

Wentworth Club

3 & 2

£5,000

Played as the Piccadilly World Match Play Championship (Oct 14-16; field of eight players). Player (RSA) beat Peter Thomson (Aus) 3 and 2 in the 36-hole final. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

1965

Men America

World Series of Golf

Firestone CC

139

x

Played as the World Series of Golf; a 36-hole exhibition event. Won by Gary Player (RSA). [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].

1964

Men America

500 Festival Open

Brickyard Crossing

273 (-11)

$12,000

Played as the "500" Festival Open Invitational (May 27-31; held in conjunction with the Indy 500 race week). Second-placed Doug Sanders (USA) and Art Wall Jr (USA) finished 1 shot behind Player (RSA). [Brickyard Crossing GC, at the time known as Speedway GC, Indianapolis, IN].

Played as the Dunlop South African Masters. Won by Player (RSA). [Houghton GC, Johannesburg, RSA].

1963

Men Aus/NZ

Australian Open

Royal Melbourne

278 (-18)

Played as the Australian Open (Oct 31-Nov 2). Second-placed Bruce Devlin (Aus) finished 7 shots behind defending champion Player (RSA), who posted the third of his seven Australian Open wins. [East course, Royal Melbourne GC, Victoria, Aus].

1963

Men America

Farmers Insurance Open

Riverwalk GC, CA

270 (-18)

$3,500

Played as the San Diego Open Invitational (Jan 10-13). Second-placed Tony Lema (USA) finished 1 shot behind Player (RSA). [Riverwalk GC, San Diego, CA; at the time known as Stardust CC].

1962

Men Aus/NZ

Australian Open

Royal Adelaide

281

Played as the Australian Open (Nov 1-3). Second-placed Kel Nagle (Aus) finished 2 shots behind Player (RSA), who posted the second of his seven Australian Open wins. [Royal Adelaide GC, Seaton, Adelaide, SA].

1962

Men Majors

US PGA Ch'ship

Aronimink

278 (-2)

$13,000

The US PGA Championship (44th) (July 19-22). Second-placed Bob Goalby (USA) finished 1 shot behind Player (RSA), who recorded his first of two US PGA titles, and third major championship win. [Aronimink GC, Newton Square, PA].

1961

Men America

Lucky Intl. Open

x

x

Played as the Lucky International Open.

1961

Men Awards

Money Winner - PGA Tr

$64,450

see Score

Player (RSA) was the PGA Tour 1961 leading money winner, with earnings of $64,540 on the Tour. Arnold Palmer (USA) was second with $61,091; Doug Sanders (USA) was third with $57,428.

The Masters Tournament (25th) (April 6-10). Second-placed Arnold Palmer (USA) and Charles Coe (USA, amateur) finished 1 shot behind Player (RSA), who claimed the first of his three Masters titles. Player became the first non-American to don the coveted Masters green jacket. Monday finish required following earlier weather delays. [Augusta National GC, Augusta, GA].

1960

Men Africa

South African Masters

Houghton

266

Played as the inaugural Dunlop South African Masters (Jan 21-24; evolved out of the South African Professional Match Play Championship). Second-placed Retief Waltman (S Africa) finished 17 shots behind Player (S Africa), whose total of 266 stood as a record low score for the event for the next 44 years. [Houghton GC, Johannesburg, RSA].

1960

Men Africa

South African Open

Mowbray

280

x

Played as the South African Open. Second-placed Harold Henning (S Africa) and Tommy Trevena (S Africa) finished 7 shots behind Player (S Africa). This was the second of 13 South African Open wins for Player. [Mowbray GC, Cape Town, Western Cape, RSA].

1959

Men Africa

South African Match Play

Houghton

3 & 1

Played as the Dunlop South African Match Play Masters (replaced in 1960 by the Dunlop South African Masters). Player (S Africa) beat Harold Henning (S Africa) 3 and 1 in the 36-hole final. [Houghton GC, Johannesburg, RSA].

Played as the Australian Open (Aug 28-30). Second-placed Kel Nagle (Aus) finished 5 shots behind Player (S Africa), who recorded the first of his seven Australian Open wins. [Kooyonga GC, Lockleys, Adelaide, SA].

1958

Men America

Kentucky Derby Open

x

x

Played as the Kentucky Derby Open. Won by Gary Player (S Africa), who recorded his first US PGA Tour win.

1957

Men Aus/NZ

Australian PGA

Huntingdale

2 holes

Played as the Australian PGA Ch'ship. Player (S Africa) beat Peter Thomson (Aus) by 2 holes in the final. [Huntingdale GC, Oakleigh South, Melbourne].

Played as the South African Open. Second-placed Bruce Keyter (S Africa) finished 3 shots behind 20-year-old Player (S Africa). This was the first of 13 South African Open wins for Player. [Durban CC, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa].

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Tournaments:

For an indefinite period all the world’s professional golf tours have been suspended as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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